DOVER to CALAIS by ferry with a vehicle

I have never had to but I always am in my own car, registered when making the initial reservation.

I know that it is a requirement with hire cars but I have no knowledge if it is enforced.

Most of my crossings are either Stena Harwich - Hook of Holland or Eurotunnel Le Shuttle Folkestone - Coquelles.

I have also recently used Irish. I haven't recently used DFDS or P&O.

Which carrier are you using?

I was just researching that, maybe P&O? It's our first time on this ferry route so it's all new. We drove here (France) from Portugal not realizing our car registration doc was left at home in another bag that we left behind. No time to turn around now. All reservations for the UK are made so I was hoping the ferry employees wouldn't be too strict...

I have no idea if Scotland is the same as England, but I traveled with a rental car on 7 different ferries last year in Scotland, and not once did I have to show any registration documents.

That said, if it was me and I was worried about it, I would try emailing the rental agency and seeing if they would you a digital copy of the documents.

Looking at DFDS terms and conditions for instance there is no requirement for you to produce the registration document. What they do require is your vehicle insurance and the test certificate - whatever the Portuguese equivalent is of the MOT in the UK. Of course your car may not be old enough to need an MOT.

Irish Ferries only seem to require your insurance.

My car is a 2023 model, but then I'd have to prove that with the registration card and I do have a photo of it.

I think I'll just get in line and hope for the best. The other option would be to go across as a foot passenger and rent a car in Dover but that just sounds so expensive! I still have a few days to decide, I've been watching youtube videos, they all just mention passports so I'm getting my hopes up :-)

is it your own Portuguese car or a rental?

it's our own car, we do have the insurance paper and a photo of the registration card

as it is your car, I honestly don't think you will have an issue. But P&O are weird.

If you go on the P&O Pioneer, it is a hybrid at the moment with diesel generators feeding electricity to the 4 electric motor pods which can turn 360 degrees - one on each corner instead of a propellor - and the ship is ready to be fully battery electric when the French and English ports can provide the infrastructure to fast charge during turn around times. A very interesting boat.

Interesting about the boats... looking forward to it.
Well I'll report back just as fyi, not that anyone would leave their registration card at home like I did!